NORTHERN WISCONSIN CENTER

Northern Wisconsin Center is a public school that is part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services school district, located in Chippewa Falls, WI with about 10 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

The Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC), located in Chippewa Falls, is a state-operated facility with a long and evolving history. Originally established in the late 19th century as the "Wisconsin Home for the Feeble-Minded," the center has undergone significant operational shifts over the decades. While it functioned for many years as a residential institution for individuals with developmental disabilities, its role has transitioned to meet modern standards of care, focusing on specialized support services and state-managed programming.

In recent years, the facility has become a focal point for state efforts to address complex care needs. In 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reopened the center to serve as a specialized, secure residential facility for individuals requiring intensive behavioral health support, including those transitioning from other state institutions or the criminal justice system. Today, the Northern Wisconsin Center serves as a critical piece of the state's public health infrastructure, emphasizing rehabilitative care, professional oversight, and the stabilization of individuals who require higher levels of security and support than traditional community-based settings can provide.

For more information, contact Northern Wisconsin Center at (715) 723-5542 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.